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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Augustine characterize the argument that his teaching is not needed because it comes from a human source?
(a) It is being heretical.
(b) It is being logically inconsistent.
(c) It is intolerant.
(d) It is responsible for allowing "babes in the Faith being devoured by the wolves of the world."

2. What doctrine does Augustine introduce to explain how Truth can be seen?
(a) The doctrine of "special gifts of seeing" that God grants when individuals seek eternal truths illuminated by God.
(b) The doctrine of the "inner eye" that can see eternal truths even when tainted by sin because it is illuminated by God.
(c) The doctrine of "things and signs" helps an individual know which things and signs illuminate eternal truths.
(d) The doctrine of "community vision" is achieved when individuals join their desires to seek eternal truths illuminated by God.

3. In approaching this distinction, what is Augustine's first focus in Book One?
(a) On things as things.
(b) On "special gifts."
(c) On original sin.
(d) On sins of omission.

4. What setting does Augustine recommend for sound Scriptural learning?
(a) A private audience with a well-trained Priest.
(b) An ecclesiastical structure.
(c) Human communities.
(d) A properly sanctioned site of Scriptural education.

5. How does Augustine describe humans?
(a) Humans are above things because they use them.
(b) Humans are things that use language as a symbol.
(c) Humans are things that are subject to the laws of God.
(d) Humans are things that can "enjoy," love and "use" things.

6. What is an important distinction that Augustine teaches students to understand through three Books of "On Christian Doctrine?
(a) The difference between "special gifts" and talents.
(b) The difference between sins of omission and original sin.
(c) The difference between original sin and human nature.
(d) The difference between "things" and "signs."

7. What is the step that Augustine identifies an individual should take before entering into a proper relationship with God?
(a) An individual must sell all possessions and give the money to the Priest.
(b) An individual must leave their mother and father and cleave to the Church.
(c) An individual's eyes must be purged and God's plan and healing must be followed.
(d) An individual must repent of their sins and be baptized.

8. What comes of loving oneself for reasons other than that which Augustine specified?
(a) It will prevent one from enjoying things of God.
(b) It will inhibit the ability to hear God's guiding.
(c) It leads to destruction.
(d) It will result in loss of special gifts.

9. What are the two primary reasons that Augustine devotes his time to those questions?
(a) Because Scriptural infallibility affirms God's role in miracles and prophesy.
(b) The two commandments of Christianity to love God and to love one's neighbor.
(c) God's omnipotence establishes His authority over creation and judgment.
(d) The Christian conception of Christ's deity explains His resurrection and authority over forgiveness.

10. What does Augustine encourage his critics to remember in the Preface?
(a) To patiently contemplate his points before they make a judgment.
(b) To practice the rhetorical skills he embraces to make criticism more effective.
(c) To remember experiencing learning for themselves.
(d) To be wary of falling into the trap of heresy.

11. What is the nature of the second important distinction Augustine identifies in Book One?
(a) Everything that is enjoyed is used, but not everything that is used is enjoyed.
(b) Encouragement is an exhortation, but not every exhortation is an encouragement.
(c) Christian love can be found within pagans, but pagan love is antithetical to Christian love.
(d) A sign is always a thing, but not all things are signs.

12. Upon what does Augustine focus most of his efforts in the Preface of "On Christian Doctrine"?
(a) Criticism from those who refuse or are unable to apply it.
(b) Criticism that his demands for linguistic studies were too exclusive.
(c) Criticism from those who claim that Augustine relied too much on training and not enough on divine guidance.
(d) Criticism from those who believe it is not needed.

13. What does Augustine conclude are the only things that can be enjoyed?
(a) Only eternal and unchangeable things can be enjoyed.
(b) Only things that reveal Truth can be enjoyed.
(c) Only things that are used with special gifts to prove Truth can be enjoyed.
(d) Only wisdom and Truth can be enjoyed.

14. What is the primary tool for interpretation for the critics that Augustine primarily focuses on in the Preface?
(a) Trial and error application to the situations for which they need Scriptural guidance.
(b) A "special gift" from God.
(c) Intense study of Scripture.
(d) Investigating commentaries produced closer to the time of the authors of Scriptures.

15. What does Augustine identify as the relationship between all other things and the object of ultimate worship?
(a) All other things are used as a means to enjoy the Trinity.
(b) Other things are intended to be used as a means of exhibiting Christian love.
(c) Other things are intended to be used as a means of exhibiting Christian love.
(d) All other things can be used for God's purposes through the application of special gifts.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Augustine consider as God's typical means of delivering His illumination?

2. What is the problem for the critics that Augustine addresses in the Preface when they choose to teach?

3. How does Augustine expect to get the knowledge that he lacks?

4. What does Augustine reason is the consequence to human teaching if learning comes from Divine gifts?

5. What other subject does Augustine addresses in Book Three and Book Four?

(see the answer keys)

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